On the latest episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show, Jennifer Hudson welcomed music legend Smokey Robinson that included an impromptu rendition of Robinson singing “Ooo Baby Baby” with Aretha Franklin from Soul Train in 1979.
Talking about his 1970s version with the Queen of Soul, Robinson stated “I don’t remember exactly how it came about.” “I think that she was going to do a performance on Soul Train that day, and I just happened to be there because the New Miracles were there, and they had a new lead singer. I brought them over to do Soul Train. And Don Cornelius, you know, he was the instigator. He said, ‘I want y’all to sing something for me.’ And she just want to the piano and started playing ‘Ooo baby baby’ and we sang it.”
Before launching into their own rendition, Hudson warned, “I’m no Aretha,” to wit the Motown legend replied “Oh, please, girl. You are Jennifer.”
Talking about his early Detroit days, Smokey said “I grew up four doors down the street from Diana Ross. She was my neighbor, and I’ve known her since she was probably about eight years old. And right around the corner was Aretha Franklin,” and taking a moment to praise Hudson’s portrayal of Aretha in the 2021 film Respect, he added “And I want to say this since we’re talking — you were Aretha Franklin, baby.”
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America